A simple guide to choosing the right van, planning your conversion, and getting on the road.

If you’ve been daydreaming about waking up with mountain views, taking long road trips to see family and friends, and making memories along the way, you’re in the right place.

We know getting a camper van can seem overwhelming at first. Between the endless YouTube rabbit holes, DIY builders with conflicting opinions, and pushy RV salespeople chasing their next commission, there’s a lot of noise out there.

We’re here to help you cut through it. Whether you’re wondering which van to buy, how much a camper van costs, or what the buying process looks like, we’ll help you find clear answers every step of the way.

What’s the best camper van?

The best camper van is the one that fits the way you already like to travel.

Before you compare floor plans, accessories, or van platforms, spend a little time thinking about the trips you actually want to take:

• Are you heading out for long weekends or month-long adventures?
• Traveling solo, with your partner, or bringing the kids and dogs along?
• Packing mountain bikes, skis, climbing gear, or all of the above?

Those answers will shape almost every decision that follows.

If you’re planning to spend weeks on the road, you’ll probably prioritize storage and comfort a little more. If your van is mostly for weekend escapes, you may value a van that’s easy to park in smaller spots or use as your everyday vehicle.

Bottom Line: There isn’t one perfect camper van. There’s the camper van that’s perfect for the way you travel.

Is a Ford Transit or a RAM ProMaster better?

Both the Ford Transit and RAM ProMaster make excellent camper vans. If you prioritize available all-wheel drive the Ford Transit is a great choice. If you want a wider interior, higher ground clearance, and front-wheel drive, the RAM ProMaster may be a better fit. Neither is hands down better, the right choice depends on how you travel.

At Wayfarer, we build conversions on both the Ford Transit and RAM ProMaster because each platform has its own strengths.

If available all-wheel drive is high on your list, you’ll probably lean toward the Ford Transit. If you’d rather have a wider interior and a little more ground clearance, the RAM ProMaster may be the better fit.

The best thing you can do is drive both. Spend a little time behind the wheel and pay attention to visibility, comfort, turning radius, and how each van feels. You’ll learn more in a test drive than you will from hours of online research.

Ford Transit may be a better fit if you…

• Want available all-wheel drive
• Frequently drive mountain roads or snowy conditions
• Want a comfortable, car-like driving experience with the latest tech

RAM ProMaster may be a better fit if you…

• Want the widest interior possible
• Prefer a little more ground clearance
• Mostly travel on pavement and maintained roads
• Want to maximize your budget with a more affordable vehicle

This is easily the question we hear most often, so we’ve put together plenty of resources to help you compare the two.

• Watch our Ford vs. RAM webinar.
• Read our Ford vs. RAM comparison.
• Join the Wayfarer Vans Fans Facebook group to hear from owners who’ve put thousands of miles on both platforms.

Once you’ve decided on a van, head over to our 3D Van Builder to explore layouts and accessories. You can even save a PDF of your build to share with our team if you’d like a second opinion.

Bottom line: Both the Ford Transit and RAM ProMaster make excellent camper vans. The best platform is the one that fits the way you travel, not the one with the longest list of features.

Should I buy a new or used van?

Unlike many camper van builders, Wayfarer converts both new and compatible used vans. That gives you more flexibility when shopping and can significantly lower the total cost of getting on the road.

Both new and used vans can be excellent options. The right choice depends on your budget, timeline, and priorities.

A used van may be a good fit if you…

• Want to lower your upfront investment
• Don’t mind spending a little more time shopping
• Find a compatible van in good condition

A new van may be a better fit if you…

• Want the latest safety features
• Prefer a factory warranty
• Want to customize from day one

Some customers purchase a brand-new van through one of our dealership partners. Others find the right used van through another dealership or a private seller. Either approach works! We’ll help you make sure the van is compatible before you buy.

If you’re purchasing through one of our dealership partners, your Journey Architect will introduce you to the dealership and help guide the process. If you’re buying elsewhere, send your Journey Architect a few photos before you commit. It’s surprisingly common for online listings to have the wrong wheelbase or incorrect specifications, and we’d much rather catch that before it becomes an expensive mistake.

Some Examples of Vans We Don’t Convert

What should I look for when buying a used van?

• Is it a compatible make, model, and wheelbase?
• Has it been inspected by a trusted mechanic?
• Does it have the options you actually need?
• Are there components that won’t work with a Wayfarer Vans conversion?
• Are there signs of rust, water damage, or heavy commercial use?

If you’re considering several vans, send them all over. We’re happy to help you compare them before you make a decision.

Want to learn more? These guides are a great place to start.

• Buying a Van in Another State
• New vs. Used Camper Vans
• Vans We Don’t Convert

Bottom line: Whether you buy new or used, we’ll help make sure your van is compatible before you commit.

Can you finance a camper van?

Most people either purchase their camper van outright or finance the van, the conversion, or both. The right option depends on your budget, financial goals, and how you’d like to structure your payments.

Financing your camper van might feel unfamiliar, but it’s something we help people navigate every day. Whether you want one monthly payment or you’re shopping around for the best rate, we’ll walk you through your options and help you figure out what makes the most sense for your situation.

Here are the most common ways people finance a camper van:

Finance everything through a dealership.

Many customers choose to finance both the van and the conversion together through a dealership, giving them one monthly payment. Your Journey Architect will prepare your invoice and coordinate with the dealership throughout the process.

Arrange your own financing.

Some buyers prefer to compare rates through local banks, credit unions, or online lenders. If that’s your plan, we’ll provide everything you need to apply for financing and complete your purchase.

Explore longer-term RV financing.

If you’re looking for lower monthly payments, we also partner with lenders that offer RV loans with terms of up to 20 years. These loans aren’t the right fit for everyone, but they’re worth considering if you have strong credit and want additional flexibility.

If you’re not sure which option is right for you, just ask. Your Journey Architect can explain the pros and cons of each approach and help you decide what fits your budget and goals.

Want to learn more?

• Camper Van Financing
• Buying a Used Van
• Insurance Guide

Bottom line: Most customers finance the van, the conversion, or both. No matter which route you choose, your Journey Architect will help you navigate the process from start to finish.

How do I buy a camper van if I live across the country?

Getting your van to Wayfarer is easier than you might think. Whether you buy your van through one of our dealership partners or somewhere else, we’ll help coordinate the process.

If you’re purchasing through one of our dealership partners, your van will be delivered directly to Wayfarer at no cost to you. There’s nothing extra you need to arrange.

If you’re buying a van from another dealership or a private seller, don’t worry—we can help with that too. Our shipping program makes it easy to get your van to our shop in Colorado, and we’ll even cover up to $2,000 in one-way shipping costs.

Your Journey Architect will walk you through the options and help you choose the approach that makes the most sense based on where your van is located.

Bottom line: No matter where you buy your van, we’ll help you get it to Wayfarer so you can focus on planning your first adventure.

How does the camper van conversion process work?

Most Wayfarer conversions are completed in just two to three days once your van arrives at our shop. From scheduling your installation to your Vandoff, we’ll guide you through every step.

1. Schedule your installation

Once you’re ready to move forward, we’ll get your installation on the calendar. Installation appointments typically book two to twelve weeks out, depending on the time of year.

2. We build your conversion

When your van arrives at Wayfarer, it’s our turn to get to work.

Because we build your cabinetry and furniture before your installation date, most conversions are completed in just two to three days. Before your van leaves our shop, our team completes a thorough quality inspection to make sure everything is ready for your first adventure.

3. Your Vandoff

When your conversion is complete, you’ll choose between an in-person Vandoff at our headquarters or a virtual Vandoff if you’re having your van shipped.

We’ll walk you through every feature of your camper van, answer your questions, and make sure you feel confident and comfortable before you hit the road.

4. Join the Wayfarer community

Picking up your van isn’t the end of the journey. The fun is just starting.

As a Wayfarian (aka a Wayfarer Vans owners) you’ll have access to Wayfarer Weekends, the Wayfarer Challenge, the Wayfarer Vans App, and a community of fellow Wayfarians who are always happy to share travel tips, favorite campsites, and stories from the road.

Bottom line: We’ll guide you through the installation process, make sure you know your new camper van inside and out, and continue supporting you long after your Vandoff.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buying a Camper Van

How much does a camper van cost?

Wayfarer is one of the most affordable options for a professionally built camper van. Our conversions start between $22,500 and $25,500, and new Ford Transit and RAM ProMaster vans typically range from $50,000 to $86,000, depending on the model and features. We can also convert compatible used vans if you’re looking to save money.

Is it better to buy a camper van or build one yourself?

That depends on your budget, timeline, and experience. A DIY build offers flexibility but often requires hundreds of hours of work and lots of trial and error. A professionally built camper van lets you get on the road sooner with systems that have already been designed, tested, and installed.

Can I use a camper van as my everyday vehicle?

Many Wayfarians do. Because our conversions maintain open living space and a relatively low profile, they’re comfortable to drive whether you’re commuting, running errands, or heading out for a weekend adventure.

Do camper vans hold their value?

A well-maintained camper van often retains value better than many RVs, especially when it’s built on a popular platform like a Ford Transit or RAM ProMaster. Resale value depends on factors like mileage, condition, maintenance, and demand.

Is a camper van better than an RV?

That depends on how you like to travel. Traditional RVs often include more complex systems, which can mean more maintenance and repairs over time. At Wayfarer, we take a different approach, building camper vans with everything you need and nothing you don’t. The result is a camper van that’s easier to maintain, easier to drive, and ready for your next adventure.

How do I know if a camper van is right for me?

If you enjoy road trips, camping, mountain biking, skiing, climbing, or simply having the freedom to travel without extensive planning, a camper van can make getting outside easier.

Ready to start planning your camper van?

Buying your first camper van is a big decision, and we don’t expect you to have it all figured out.

We’ve helped more than 1,300 Wayfarians get on the road, and many of them started exactly where you are now.

When you reach out, you won’t get a call center or a high-pressure sales pitch. You’ll talk with a Journey Architect who genuinely enjoys helping people get outside.

Sometimes the conversation is about layouts. Sometimes it’s about financing. Sometimes it’s just swapping recommendations for great campsites.

Wherever you are in the process, we’re here to help you find the camper van that’s right for you.